Join Dementia Research on the road again

Join Dementia Research has teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society’s in a series of community roadshows which are touring the East Midlands throughout March.

The pioneering roadshow provides an opportunity to put questions to local dementia support workers about the condition which affects about 60,000 people in the region.

For the first time, the roadshow will also be a chance to find out more about Join Dementia Research.

The East Midlands tour has already started, but upcoming stops are:

Oadby (The Parade, by Nuhu Restaurant) on March 15th

Oakham (The Cooperative Food on Burley Road) on March 16th

Northampton (Market Square) on March 17th

Leicester (Humberstone Gate West) on March 18th

Derby (Royal Hospital car park) on March 21st

Ashbourne (Coopers Mill, King Edward Street) on March 22nd

The roadshows are open from 10am – 4pm each day.

The dementia community roadshow aims to increase local awareness and understanding of the condition. It offers free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition, as well as helping to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis.

It is also open to people currently living with dementia, who are worried about a friend or relative’s memory or who just have questions about the condition. No appointment is needed.

Diane Smith, Regional Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the East Midlands, said:

“Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges of our generation. Yet it continues to be a condition blighted with stigma and lack of understanding. This can mean that people who are worried about dementia in some way, or simply want to find out more may not know where to turn.”

The dementia community roadshow is the perfect way to get that information and support out to the people who need it. We’re here to provide people with information about where to get help and encourage those with concerns about their memory to visit their GP.”

Research is vital as it can help to understand what causes dementia, develop effective treatments, improve care and hopefully one day to find to a cure. But for research to progress we need more people to take part in more studies.

One of the challenges faced by researchers involved in dementia research is attracting potential participants to get involved in their studies. At the same time, many people are looking for research studies to contribute to and take part in, but don’t know where to find out about them.

Based within the Institute of Mental Health in Nottingham, Prof Tom Dening, Speciality Lead for Dementia, Clinical Research Network: East Midlands said:

“The fantastic response we’ve seen so far is indicative of the importance of dementia and research to the wider public. There are about 800,000 people in the UK living with dementia, so there’s a lot to be done. Research plays an important part in that progress and it’s great that that the public are willing to donate their time and play their part in making it happen.”

Anyone, with or without dementia, can register as a volunteer to Join Dementia Research or sign-up for someone else, providing it is in their best interest. Signing up is the first step in becoming involved in supporting vital research studies across the nation.

You can also sign up by phone by contacting one of the charity Helplines: